March 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Before I get started on the March Empties, I thought to let you know that my work life is still impacting my personal world in a major way - I was kinda hoping that after 31st March the pressure would ease a little, but I'm still waiting for that to happen lol! It's a bummer as I have lots to share with you as well as on Instagram, but after long and stressful days, I have very little time or energy left to put it all together. But I know how much you enjoy the Empties and I'm up to my neck in throwaway containers (!), so instead of colouring my hair (whoops), here we go...

Body

Glow Lab Blackberry & Bay Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)
I do so enjoy these Glow Lab body washes. When I first bought this one I tagged the scent as winter appropriate but it was so enticing I couldn't wait, so I washed my bod with it over the summer. It's crisp and spicy rather than fruity, although it has heaps of citrus essential oils, and they're balanced with floral & herbal extracts. Quite distinctive and one I'll continue to enjoy in the cold weather, but I'll add a few extra drops of shower oil to boost the moisture content ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Yes indeed ♥♥♥...

White Glo Professional Choice Extra Strength Whitening Toothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.99)
Ever so slightly different taste to the others, but the same level of whitening power on my old choppers. It's good to know it doesn't matter which one from the range I buy - they're all as good as each other ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
For sure ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)

Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant (75g/92g, RRP $13.99/$19.95)

Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)
White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)

Face

Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Birthday Bash (15g, RRP $19.95)

I'm crazy about these balms - far superior to anything else that's crossed my lips over the years. Not so keen on this "flavour" though - supposed to be pink lemonade, but it just smells super sweet to me. Same fabulously enriching formula though, and the good news is they've made the hole slightly bigger so it's an easier squeeze in the cold weather ♥...

Repurchase?
Not this one, but I'm hooked on the watermelon & pineapple variety ♥...

Regulars

Ecopure Bath Bamboo Fibre Face Cloths (pack of 2, RRP $12.99)

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash (175ml, RRP $14.99)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum (30ml, RRP $59.99)
Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)

Fragrance

Vera Wang Lovestruck EDP (100ml, $89)
Well now, this fragrance is proof that if you keep your perfumes in a cool dark space, they last a long time. Bought this in 2015 and it was almost perfect until the last half dozen spritzes. I reviewed it at the time and I still feel the same way about it, click the name above to go there direct ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Tempting, but there are so many others I want to try ♥♥♥...

Hair

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Intensive Smoothing Mask (200ml, RRP $42.95)

Makeup

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil - Grey (RRP $45)

I bought this in a fit of desperation during a relatively fruitless search for a grey eyebrow pencil (to match my hair) - in hindsight the price was ridiculous. Yeah, sure it was good quality, but too dark and stark for what I'm after, which is a  light to medium grey that I can build up ♥...

Repurchase?

Not unless I'm totally desperate again ♥...

ModelsPrefer Contour/Collection - Ultimate Higlighting + Contouring Palette ($16.99)
My local Priceline has stopped stocking this, but it seems to still be available online - thank goodness as it's the best colour scheme for my complexion (which means not orange!). Mind you I only use four of the six pans, but by mixing them together I can create a blend that suits me to a tee and doesn't look weird. Great price too. Powders are fine for my cheeks and jawline, but they seem to exaggerate the craterous pores on my nose, but I can smudge the cream ones so they're effective but not obvious. So hard to find cream contour kits! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Definitely, online ♥♥♥...

Revlon Colorstay Life-Proof Matte Foundation Stick - 180 Sand Beige (RRP $25.95)

Ahh, Revlon - you were one of my first loves, and you're still delivering the goodies. My current numero uno foundation. This is the one I wear to the office or for special occasions. PERFECT colour match to my skin, blends to a perfect finish, lasts ALL DAY, doesn't transfer, SPF 27, slight sheen finish - it doesn't get much better than this ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil - Blonde (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Allday Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (RRP $19.95)

Natio Define Eye Pencil - Charcoal (RRP $14.95)

Giveaway!!!

Totally bummed that I didn't get to do a special Mother's Day gift in time, but hey, it's only May so I'll no doubt make up for it. For now, here's what's in the bundle...

• Makeup Revolution freebie comprising:
• Revolution Pro 4K Bronzer Palette - Warm
• Unicorns Heart Rainbow Highlighter
• 5 Eye Shadow Palette - Raspberry Icing
• Intensely Pigmented Foil Shadow Palette
• The Liner Revolution Waterproof Smudgeproof Eyeliner - Intense Black
• Semi-Permanent Brow Tint - Taupe
• Lovisa Rose Gold Tone Silk Square Earring and Necklace Set,  & Diamante Crossover Ring - Size M/L

The makeup was a Gift With Purchase - I thought it was so awesome I placed another order so I could get a set for this giveaway. Here's a pic of a couple of the items I opened from my pack:

And a closeup of the gorgeous jewellery:

Approximate value is $85, and this giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (please note: if you don't leave a comment on this page, you won't be included in the draw!) If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
2. Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
3. Follow my blog one way or another from the many choices listed
4. Only one entry per person, please read the T's & C's inside the Rafflecopter

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This giveaway is now closed - check back later tonight to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Anna M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Anna, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight

Wednesday 19th May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Anna has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

February 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hope March has been kind to you - it's the busiest time of the year for me workwise as my employer has a 31st March End of Financial Year. So it's been 12-hour days for me for the last three weeks, and not much left in the tank for personal activities like blogging - boo! But the end (of the month) is in sight, and I've managed to put together my smallest Empties collection in a long, long time. I guess it's because there were only 28 days in February - either that or I have way too many products on rotation. Anyways, here we go with a very limited post, but a nice little collection of Nutrimetics goodies in the giveaway...

Body

Help@Hand 100% Pure Cotton Tips (200pk, RRP $2?)
I bought these because at the time they were the only ones available at Woolworths. Almost as good as Johnson's, which I don't seem to be able to buy anywhere any more. They are quite good quality, and the recyclable box has a hinged click-down lid, which I'll use to store broken jewellery or other bits and pieces ♥♥...
Repurchase?
Out of stock at the moment (which is why I'm unsure of the price), but yes ♥♥...

Regulars
Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Shower Gel (500ml, RRP $9.95)
Reach Dentotape (100m, RRP $9.99)
Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)
Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)

Face

Bioré Yuzu Lemon + Dragon Fruit Brightening Exfoliating Scrub (103.5ml, RRP $9.99)

Absolutely crazy about this scrub - the lemon & dragon fruit scent is so tangy and refreshing in the morning, totally wakes me up. The beads are firm and fine (I think they are made of wax) but have enough oomph to shift any flakey bits without causing any irritation, and my skin feels super smooth afterwards. Didn't notice any brightening effect, but I never really give a scrub a chance to perform as advertised because I use a different one each day. In summary, this is a winner ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ooh yes ♥♥♥...

IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $59)

I won this in a set from an Adore Beauty Instagram comp. A wondrous cream that improved the appearance of my under eye area from the first application. The pale apricot tint instantly neutralises any darkness (which I didn't realise I had) and brightens and refreshes the skin. Overall I looked less tired, and that's certainly a bonus. I found it to be sufficiently hydrating for my dry skin, my concealer sat nicely throughout the day without any creasing or flaking, and it even seemed to firm my eye bags a little. My only beef is that once the level drops, it's quite difficult to extract the cream without a spatula due to the squat shape of the jar. A minor irritation though, this is a beauty ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm going to try my fave Olay one again for comparison - depending on the results I may well buy this one in future ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (125ml RRP $13.95)

Fragrance

Chi Chi Strawberry & Violet EDP (50ml, RRP $19.95)

The next empty bottle of this beautiful scent will be in the Regulars section. Adore this, and it's one of the few fragrances that I buy over and over again. Review from when I first discovered it back in 2015 is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have, I can't live without this sweetheart in my life ♥♥♥...

Hair

Regulars

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (100ml, RRP $49.95)

Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear (60g, RRP $19.97)

Makeup

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (RRP $22.99)

I used this to blend my foundation (stick or liquid kind) - it was excellent for literally pushing the cream into my gaping pores, and left me with a streak-free flawless finish. Bought it 12 months ago and was quite impressed, but it started to shed badly, so I switched to a Manicare Glam one, which is going splendidly so far ♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've not found a foundation brush that survives longer than a year, so...maybe ♥♥...

Sephora Color & Sculpt Stick - 01 Clear Light (5.5g, RRP $19)

One of the more successful attempts I've made at finding a cream contour that's a suitable colour for my skin tone. Most on the market are too orangey, and my favourite Australis palette that had the perfect shade has been discontinued. This one worked quite well, although I still had to mix it with a lighter yellowish pan from another brand. The search continues ♥♥...

Repurchase?

If I'm unable to find a better colour match, then probably yes ♥♥...

Regulars

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil - Blonde (RRP $15.95)

Giveaway

A truly pampering treat for any of you wanting to try some Nutrimetics products...

• Blossom Bouquet Fragrance Diffuser
• Magic Eraser Body Exfoliating & Polishing Cleansing Glove
• Nutri-Rich Bathing Bar
• Nutri-Rich Gentle Foam Body Wash
• Nuri-Rich Nourishing Body Butter

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $160.  The giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (please note: if you don't leave a comment on this page, you won't be included in the draw!) If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
2. Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
3. Follow my blog one way or another from the many choices listed
4. Only one entry per person, please read the T's & C's inside the Rafflecopter

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This giveaway is now closed - check back later tonight to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Tracy M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Tracy, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight

Wednesday 7th April to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Tracy has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

December 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

I've always felt blessed to have been born in this country, and especially given the state of the world right now, I'm grateful to live in what I believe is the safest place on planet earth, and wouldn't want to call anywhere else home - here's hoping your day is a special one ♥ As for my December Empties, it's two to one in favour of the regulars quantity-wise, but there's a few newbies that I'm delighted to report on, so without further ado ♥...

Body

Oral-B 3D White Diamond Strong Whitening & Enamel Strengthening Rinse  (473ml, RRP $9.99)

Given the comfort and success with both the White Glo and Colgate mouthwashes I've been using of late, I thought I'd try my luck again with one specifically targetting teeth whitening. But in hindsight, I was pushing my luck. While this Oral-B is an excellent product, my mouth is obviously overly sensitive and it stings way too much for me to use comfortably on a regular basis...

Repurchase?

No - for now I'll stick with the ones that are tried and true...

Schmidt's Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)

Back in May last year, I reported on this in my April 2020 Empties post that it was scratchy and too painful to use due to large hard lumps of baking soda. I still don't know if it was old stock or simply a dodgy batch, but I gave it another go and am relieved to find that in either ideal production or storage conditions, this is a winner. It's actually as smooth and creamy as the Lavender + Sage variety, and the citrus shot makes it even more desirable for the hot weather. It's actually my current fave, just wish I knew for sure what caused the issue with the formula of the first one I tried. I'm hoping it was old stock ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, I have another one stashed away and it looks like it's going to be just fine ♥♥♥...

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)

Another one from the range to add permanently to the collection in my shower rack. The predominant scent is orangey (it's actually mandarin & grapefruit lol) on a sandalwood base (yum!) and the formula is just as softening and moisturising as the other three I adore (Citrus, Pomegranate & Lavender, which is to be reviewed shortly). Honestly, my skin loves this set, and they look so colourful and pretty in my shower stall ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ry has them on special at the moment for $13.97 each, and with the enticement of free shipping, I've just placed an order (not that I needed an enticement ha ha!) ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk & Paw Paw Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)
Reach Dentotape (100m, RRP $9.99)
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99)
Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)

Face

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel For Oily Sensitive Skin (200ml, RRP $25.95)

This 50ml sample came in a gift promotion, and I was pleasantly surprised with how gentle and effective it was despite it targetting an acne-prone audience. A lightly foaming gel that smells fresh and crisp (is it lemon?), it sure takes off my long-wear makeup without any effort. It's perhaps a bit of overkill on my mature skin which has a tendency to dryness in winter, but it did keep my oily-T under control when the humidity hit ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably not - there are so many cleansers out there that I love more, and are better suited to my older complexion ♥♥...

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Smoothing Lip Polish (15g, RRP $30)

This has been discontinued so I'm not going to spend too much time on it - bought it almost 2 years ago and only just now finished it. It was a great product and certainly softened and sloughed my lips whenever I used it (once per week), but somehow it was awkward to dispense and apply. So many times the product slipped off my finger before I could get it to my pout, so I wasted quite a bit. Perhaps they'll bring it back in a different format ♥...

Repurchase?

No - discontinued...

Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $48.99)

I've had this in my drawer for around six months, waiting till I'd finished a few of the others on my bench. Well, it was worth the wait - there's something about the formula and the soft apricot colour that instantly makes my under-eye area look and feel heaps better. Very hydrating, and while I don't have dark circles, I do have a tendency towards a faintly bluish tinge directly under my lash line, and this counteracts that in a flash ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm torn between this and the Regenerist one, which is more effective on my fine lines, but I'm pretty sure I'll grab another jar next time it's on special - it's ideal for day time, and I'll use the other one at night ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Retinol Night Moisturiser (50g, RRP $59.90)

Was excited to try this whole range as products containing retinol do seem to have a more obvious impact on my face than those without. This is a lovely cream with limited improvements showing on my skin, but I have to admit I've been interspersing it with other night creams I was sent to test, so I haven't given it a proper chance to do what it's supposed to. While I can well appreciate that its lack of scent is a huge bonus to those folks who have sensitivities, I find it boring despite the purple packaging. If I buy it again I'll have to add a few drops of essential oil to it, which hopefully won't irritate my skin. Might seem silly, but for $60, I need to love it a bit more ♥...

Repurchase?

Will give it another chance next time it's on special ♥...

Skin Physics Oxygen-C Vitamin C Brightening Serum  (30ml, RRP $19.95)

This was sent to me to trial and I well and truly loved it. For what I would classify as an inexpensive serum, it really made a difference to the appearance of my complexion. Prior to using it twice daily I had areas of pinkness around my nose and chin that always seemed to be there, but they have literally gone bye-byes, and that's pretty impressive after a short period of use. It spreads so easily, and even shrank my pores a little and made my freckles less obvious ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

This will be a standby for me - I have several serums in the drawer that I need to use up first, but after that, for sure ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash (175ml, RRP $14.99)
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)
Olay Regenerist Whip UV Cream SPF 30  (50g, RRP $48.99)
Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)

Face Masks

Regulars

Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)


Fragrance
Regulars
Ecoya Cedarwood & Leather Mini Reed Diffuser (50ml, RRP $25.95)

Hair

Regulars

Salon Professional Supplies Creme Peroxide 40 vol (200ml, RRP $5.95)
Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Sparkler Shine Spray (300ml, RRP $27.95)
Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear (60g, RRP $19.97)

Makeup

Australis Pressed Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (9g, RRP $16.95)

This is another product that I've been using faithfully for years, but somehow it's never made it to an Empties post because it lives in the makeup bag I take to work, plus I don't think I've ever hit pan - the hinge always breaks after about 6 months. Loose lids are one of my bugbears, so I toss it as soon as it snaps. Anyways it's what I use during the day if I need to counteract a little shine on my forehead, nose or chin, and despite the obvious packaging flaw, it's the best I've found ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - recently stocked up when there was a special deal so I'm good for at least 18 months ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)

Giveaway

With Valentines Day just around the corner, I though I'd make this month's giveaway a bit more like a pamper pack...

• Glasshouse Rio De Janeiro Passionfruit & Lime Mini Candle (60g)
• Koi Relaxing Bath Range - Lavender & Argan Oil Calming Bar Soap, Geranium & Petitgrain Soothing Body Wash & Soothing Bath Fizz
• Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Bi-Phase Nourishing Oil Elixir
• Nutrimetics Blossom Bouquet Fragrance Diffuser
• Nutrimetics Safflower Fragranced Soap & Hand Creme
• Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches - 2 x 3 pairs
• Skin Republic Fast Fix Under Eye Masks - 2 x 2 pairs
• Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patches -2 x 3 pairs

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $150.  The giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (please note: if you don't leave a comment on this page, you won't be included in the draw!) If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
2. Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
3. Follow my blog one way or another from the many choices listed
4. Only one entry per person, please read the T's & C's inside the Rafflecopter

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This giveaway is now closed - check back later tonight to see who won!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Misfortune8 as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Misfortune8, please respond to the email I've sent you by

midnight 3rd February to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Misfortunate8 has claimed her prize ♥

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx